04 October 2005
PHOTO: TURNOVER
Police, NBI still draw blank on judge’s slay
NATIVIDAD – The police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are still facing a blank wall in their investigation of the brutal slaying of the presiding judge of a Regional Trial Court in Pasay City last Friday, Sept. 23.
The NBI joined the investigation of the case upon the request of the family of slain RTC Judge Estrellita Mariano Paas, 61, who was found by her husband in the comfort room of their house, both hands tied behind her back with a wire and bloodied all over from stab wounds in the nape and head.
A Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) team of the police that examined the body of the judge believes that Paas was killed five or six hours before.
Senior Insp. Bernardo Aromin, Natividad police chief, said they are not ruling out robbery as the motive for the killing although the P14,000 cash and jewelry of the victim were intact.
Discovered missing from the house were the lady judge’s cellphone, a digital camera and a licensed cal. 22 pistol.
Aromin hinted the suspects might have sneaked in when the husband of the judge left the house to induct student officers of a private high school in the town.
Judge Paas was on vacation from work at the time of the incident. She and her husband, a lawyer, and retired Ombudsman, live in Poblacion west here, in front of the Natividad Central School.
The police are also eyeing the possibility that the motive for the brutal slaying was work-related.
Paas was the second trial court judge murdered in Pangasinan. The first was RTC Judge Oscar Uson assigned in Tayug, Pangasinan, who was ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen on the Asingan-Sta Maria bridge on his way home about three years ago. Uson’s case has remained unsolved.
Philippine National Police Director General Arturo Lomibao gave investigators till today, Sunday, to solve or at least find some leads in connection with the brutal slaying.
Lomibao, who flew in here last Wednesday to personally look into the progress of the investigation of the case, told newsmen he was hoping that investigators could solve the case or at least gather some leads before the lady judge is interred at the municipal cemetery here today Oct. 2.
Lomibao said he talked to the son of the victim, Ronald, a lawyer, who requested that if possible, prior to the interment of his mother, the police shall have already gathered some leads on the identities of the perpetrators including their motives.
“I promised him that we will try our best to identify the suspects and if they (police) can not file the case yet, they shall have at least determined the motives of the suspects so that we can facilitate the filing of the case,” Lomibao said.
He said that based on his talk with investigators, they are following up some leads.
Asked if he was creating a task force purposely to go after the killers of the lady judge, Lomibao said there was no need for it as the PNP Provincial Director of Pangasinan “is on top of the situation.”
“My advice to Colonel Purisima is to talk with the NBI and the (Paas) family so that there would be only one lead agency in the investigation of the case,” Lomibao said, adding, that whichever agency is chosen by the family to be the lead agency, the other agency will have to extend support.
The NBI joined the investigation of the case upon the request of the family of slain RTC Judge Estrellita Mariano Paas, 61, who was found by her husband in the comfort room of their house, both hands tied behind her back with a wire and bloodied all over from stab wounds in the nape and head.
A Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) team of the police that examined the body of the judge believes that Paas was killed five or six hours before.
Senior Insp. Bernardo Aromin, Natividad police chief, said they are not ruling out robbery as the motive for the killing although the P14,000 cash and jewelry of the victim were intact.
Discovered missing from the house were the lady judge’s cellphone, a digital camera and a licensed cal. 22 pistol.
Aromin hinted the suspects might have sneaked in when the husband of the judge left the house to induct student officers of a private high school in the town.
Judge Paas was on vacation from work at the time of the incident. She and her husband, a lawyer, and retired Ombudsman, live in Poblacion west here, in front of the Natividad Central School.
The police are also eyeing the possibility that the motive for the brutal slaying was work-related.
Paas was the second trial court judge murdered in Pangasinan. The first was RTC Judge Oscar Uson assigned in Tayug, Pangasinan, who was ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen on the Asingan-Sta Maria bridge on his way home about three years ago. Uson’s case has remained unsolved.
Philippine National Police Director General Arturo Lomibao gave investigators till today, Sunday, to solve or at least find some leads in connection with the brutal slaying.
Lomibao, who flew in here last Wednesday to personally look into the progress of the investigation of the case, told newsmen he was hoping that investigators could solve the case or at least gather some leads before the lady judge is interred at the municipal cemetery here today Oct. 2.
Lomibao said he talked to the son of the victim, Ronald, a lawyer, who requested that if possible, prior to the interment of his mother, the police shall have already gathered some leads on the identities of the perpetrators including their motives.
“I promised him that we will try our best to identify the suspects and if they (police) can not file the case yet, they shall have at least determined the motives of the suspects so that we can facilitate the filing of the case,” Lomibao said.
He said that based on his talk with investigators, they are following up some leads.
Asked if he was creating a task force purposely to go after the killers of the lady judge, Lomibao said there was no need for it as the PNP Provincial Director of Pangasinan “is on top of the situation.”
“My advice to Colonel Purisima is to talk with the NBI and the (Paas) family so that there would be only one lead agency in the investigation of the case,” Lomibao said, adding, that whichever agency is chosen by the family to be the lead agency, the other agency will have to extend support.
Dagupan to go into fish caging ventures
By SHEILA HORTALEZA-AQUINO
CITY Mayor Benjamin S. Lim is now setting his sights on the fish cage industry in the city and the upgrading of production of fishponds as part of the city government’s vision to ensure the sustainability of the river system while increasing fish production.
The ongoing dredging operations, which can deepen the city’s rivers, should now make viable the operations of fish cages, City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina said, following a study tour by city officials and local fish farm owners in Taiwan last September 21 to 25.
Molina said the city agriculture office will conduct a research on sea cage culture through the use of Philippine technology next year to jumpstart the program.
Fish caging will involve the production of high value marine fish in the main river areas, such as zones 1 and 2, she said.
Molina said the cooperation among the Taiwanese people was a key factor in the success of fisheries and aquaculture industry of that country.
“Taiwan sets its plans and priorities and focuses on research which makes the production and marketing of products successful,” she noted.
In Tainan, one of two counties the group visited, the other being Pintung, each municipality boasts of its own special product much like the ‘One Town, One Product’ project of the Department of Trade and Industry.
“Specialization of products allows the municipality to focus on its production, development and research,” Molina said.
Molina said the National Pintung University of Science and Technology is willing to accommodate scholars from Dagupan while the International Fund for Development Cooperation (IFDC) can be a source of fund.
The mayor is interested in the IFDC’s short-term courses on agriculture, agribusiness, aquaculture, bio-sciences and bio-technology, which can be used for planning the development of Dagupan,” Molina said.
Some of Taiwan’s commodities are grouper, saline tilapia and bangus while shellfish, like hard clam, oyster, abalone, crabs, tuna, shrimps, and prawns are cultured.
Fishermen associations like the Taiwan Aquaculture Development Association and the Long Diann Marine Bio-Technology Company work more like cooperatives, according to Molina.
“These cooperatives have their own specialty with regards to bangus production from breeding, hatchery, fingerlings production, culture processing or marketing of bangus,” she said.
Molina said Mayor Lim wants to develop the city’s 1,000-hectare fishponds through the use of Taiwan’s modern technology since most of the local fishponds do not produce much unlike fishponds.
She said the mayor is considering adopting as a son of Dagupan City Dr. Ching-Ta (Ted) Chuang, a director and professor of the Institute of Marine Resource Management of the National Taiwan Ocean University so that he can extend help to us on research and many others.
Among the other municipal officials who joined the trip were San Fabian Mayor Mojamito Libunao, Jr., Dasol Mayor Angelita Jimenez and Binmaley Councilor Leo Urmaza.
“Dasol is considered the seaweeds center in Pangasinan and in Region 1, much like Taiwan, which also produces seaweeds, so Mayor Jimenez can communicate with the research institutions in Taiwan or send trainees there,” Molina said.
Libunao and Urmaza can work closely with Dagupan since their municipal resources are typically similar with that of Dagupan and the city’s and town’s river systems are interconnected.
CITY Mayor Benjamin S. Lim is now setting his sights on the fish cage industry in the city and the upgrading of production of fishponds as part of the city government’s vision to ensure the sustainability of the river system while increasing fish production.
The ongoing dredging operations, which can deepen the city’s rivers, should now make viable the operations of fish cages, City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina said, following a study tour by city officials and local fish farm owners in Taiwan last September 21 to 25.
Molina said the city agriculture office will conduct a research on sea cage culture through the use of Philippine technology next year to jumpstart the program.
Fish caging will involve the production of high value marine fish in the main river areas, such as zones 1 and 2, she said.
Molina said the cooperation among the Taiwanese people was a key factor in the success of fisheries and aquaculture industry of that country.
“Taiwan sets its plans and priorities and focuses on research which makes the production and marketing of products successful,” she noted.
In Tainan, one of two counties the group visited, the other being Pintung, each municipality boasts of its own special product much like the ‘One Town, One Product’ project of the Department of Trade and Industry.
“Specialization of products allows the municipality to focus on its production, development and research,” Molina said.
Molina said the National Pintung University of Science and Technology is willing to accommodate scholars from Dagupan while the International Fund for Development Cooperation (IFDC) can be a source of fund.
The mayor is interested in the IFDC’s short-term courses on agriculture, agribusiness, aquaculture, bio-sciences and bio-technology, which can be used for planning the development of Dagupan,” Molina said.
Some of Taiwan’s commodities are grouper, saline tilapia and bangus while shellfish, like hard clam, oyster, abalone, crabs, tuna, shrimps, and prawns are cultured.
Fishermen associations like the Taiwan Aquaculture Development Association and the Long Diann Marine Bio-Technology Company work more like cooperatives, according to Molina.
“These cooperatives have their own specialty with regards to bangus production from breeding, hatchery, fingerlings production, culture processing or marketing of bangus,” she said.
Molina said Mayor Lim wants to develop the city’s 1,000-hectare fishponds through the use of Taiwan’s modern technology since most of the local fishponds do not produce much unlike fishponds.
She said the mayor is considering adopting as a son of Dagupan City Dr. Ching-Ta (Ted) Chuang, a director and professor of the Institute of Marine Resource Management of the National Taiwan Ocean University so that he can extend help to us on research and many others.
Among the other municipal officials who joined the trip were San Fabian Mayor Mojamito Libunao, Jr., Dasol Mayor Angelita Jimenez and Binmaley Councilor Leo Urmaza.
“Dasol is considered the seaweeds center in Pangasinan and in Region 1, much like Taiwan, which also produces seaweeds, so Mayor Jimenez can communicate with the research institutions in Taiwan or send trainees there,” Molina said.
Libunao and Urmaza can work closely with Dagupan since their municipal resources are typically similar with that of Dagupan and the city’s and town’s river systems are interconnected.
Mrs. Dagupan International to highlight city fiesta celebration
THE selection of a Mrs. Dagupan International 2005 will highlight the coming Dagupan City Fiesta in December.
A first-of-its-kind in the city, Mrs. Dagupan International is a fund-raising contest with overseas married Dagupeña ladies as contestants vying for the title through popularity votes measured in cash donations. The project was conceived by City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez and Councilor Alex De Venecia, this year’s Hermano Mayor.
“This is a beauty contest from within which exudes the compassion and commitment of the contestants to the city and its people,” De Venecia said.
Away from their city of birth, the contestants reach out with all their hearts to the people of Dagupan by participating in the search for the first Mrs. Dagupan International, De Venecia stressed.
Vying for the title of the first Mrs. Dagupan International 2005 are Nancy Zabala Beltran, Elvira Abalos Mitchell, Virginia Tamayo Nonan and Pauline Castro Perez.
Beltran, who resides in New York, hails from Burgos Street, Dagupan City, and was married to the late Roberto Beltran. Blessed with two children, she is currently a registered nurse in the New-York based Nassau Dialysis Center.
Mitchell was born and raised in barangay Pogo Grande and is a graduate of Dagupan City National High School, batch 1961. She was married to the late Marine Mayor Thomas Mitchell with whom she had six children.
Nonan, on the other hand, was a former school principal of the Doña Victoria Zarate Elementary School in Arellano-Bani, and now a registered nurse in Napa Hospital in Vallejo, California. Born and raised in Bonuan Sabangan, Nonan is currently residing in Vallejo, California with her husband, Emerson Nonan.
Engaged in several jobs as a nurse, hairdresser, parlor owner and hotel attendant before, Perez currently resides in San Francisco, California and has settled as a real state consultant. Perez, a resident of Sanggunian Village in Dagupan, was married to the late Dr. Sergio Basconsillo, a dentist.
The four candidates believe that by joining the contest, they can be effective vehicles for every Dagupeño abroad to share their blessings to their less fortunate kabaleyan.
The Mrs. Dagupan International 2005, including her runner-ups, will be crowned at the city plaza on December 26.
Overseas Dagupeño can place their advertisements, such as family portraits in the souvenir magazine via the City Fiesta 2005 official website, http://www.dagupan.gov.ph/fiesta2005. These advertisements will also be subsequently posted on the website.
Overseas Dagupeño can also have the opportunity to take part in the event by casting their votes for the candidate/s of their choice through the website.
De Venecia guaranteed that this year’s city fiesta will be grand and festive with the holding of a Balikbayan Night, Dagupan City National High School homecoming and University of Pangasinan High School homecoming celebrations. (Sunshine D. Robles)
A first-of-its-kind in the city, Mrs. Dagupan International is a fund-raising contest with overseas married Dagupeña ladies as contestants vying for the title through popularity votes measured in cash donations. The project was conceived by City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez and Councilor Alex De Venecia, this year’s Hermano Mayor.
“This is a beauty contest from within which exudes the compassion and commitment of the contestants to the city and its people,” De Venecia said.
Away from their city of birth, the contestants reach out with all their hearts to the people of Dagupan by participating in the search for the first Mrs. Dagupan International, De Venecia stressed.
Vying for the title of the first Mrs. Dagupan International 2005 are Nancy Zabala Beltran, Elvira Abalos Mitchell, Virginia Tamayo Nonan and Pauline Castro Perez.
Beltran, who resides in New York, hails from Burgos Street, Dagupan City, and was married to the late Roberto Beltran. Blessed with two children, she is currently a registered nurse in the New-York based Nassau Dialysis Center.
Mitchell was born and raised in barangay Pogo Grande and is a graduate of Dagupan City National High School, batch 1961. She was married to the late Marine Mayor Thomas Mitchell with whom she had six children.
Nonan, on the other hand, was a former school principal of the Doña Victoria Zarate Elementary School in Arellano-Bani, and now a registered nurse in Napa Hospital in Vallejo, California. Born and raised in Bonuan Sabangan, Nonan is currently residing in Vallejo, California with her husband, Emerson Nonan.
Engaged in several jobs as a nurse, hairdresser, parlor owner and hotel attendant before, Perez currently resides in San Francisco, California and has settled as a real state consultant. Perez, a resident of Sanggunian Village in Dagupan, was married to the late Dr. Sergio Basconsillo, a dentist.
The four candidates believe that by joining the contest, they can be effective vehicles for every Dagupeño abroad to share their blessings to their less fortunate kabaleyan.
The Mrs. Dagupan International 2005, including her runner-ups, will be crowned at the city plaza on December 26.
Overseas Dagupeño can place their advertisements, such as family portraits in the souvenir magazine via the City Fiesta 2005 official website, http://www.dagupan.gov.ph/fiesta2005. These advertisements will also be subsequently posted on the website.
Overseas Dagupeño can also have the opportunity to take part in the event by casting their votes for the candidate/s of their choice through the website.
De Venecia guaranteed that this year’s city fiesta will be grand and festive with the holding of a Balikbayan Night, Dagupan City National High School homecoming and University of Pangasinan High School homecoming celebrations. (Sunshine D. Robles)
Ruling Resuellos doing wonders for San Carlos
THE city of San Carlos, some 200 kilometers north of Manila, continues to bloom and boom commercially despite the political turmoil in the nation’s capital.
To date, a commercial mall owned by the Dagupan-based City Supermarket Inc. is now fast-rising beside the city hall while a few more investors, including some from Manila, are just waiting for the perfect timing to come in.
Vice Mayor Julier Resuello said there is no doubt that the much improved peace and order situation of the city is what attracts investors to the city, now fast emerging as another melting pot of business in central Pangasinan other than Dagupan.
San Carlos City used to be known for its “wild, wild west” image where killings happened quite frequently thus driving away traders.
Even cattle rustling, which used to be rampant, with a barangay of the city - Balite Sur - notorious for harboring cattle thieves, has been tamed. Mayor Julian Resuello had called known suspects in this illegal activity to a “summit” and told them straight to stop their trade.
City Information Officer Guido Tiong however said good governance, more than just improved peace and order, is what’s doing wonders in investments in the city. Tiong said the progressive actions of the Resuellos, father and son, have built strong confidence among the business people that their projects will succeed because they have a transparent city government to deal with.
The mayor and vice mayor’s tandem, Tiong added, has put all the necessary ingredients to make San Carlos go on a roll, to the envy of other cities.
“I believe infrastructure-wise, we have more than adequate of these to date. All roads leading towards San Carlos City are now well paved, although we are putting in some more projects,” said Resuello who may likely succeed his father when the latter completes his last term of office in 2007.
To date, a commercial mall owned by the Dagupan-based City Supermarket Inc. is now fast-rising beside the city hall while a few more investors, including some from Manila, are just waiting for the perfect timing to come in.
Vice Mayor Julier Resuello said there is no doubt that the much improved peace and order situation of the city is what attracts investors to the city, now fast emerging as another melting pot of business in central Pangasinan other than Dagupan.
San Carlos City used to be known for its “wild, wild west” image where killings happened quite frequently thus driving away traders.
Even cattle rustling, which used to be rampant, with a barangay of the city - Balite Sur - notorious for harboring cattle thieves, has been tamed. Mayor Julian Resuello had called known suspects in this illegal activity to a “summit” and told them straight to stop their trade.
City Information Officer Guido Tiong however said good governance, more than just improved peace and order, is what’s doing wonders in investments in the city. Tiong said the progressive actions of the Resuellos, father and son, have built strong confidence among the business people that their projects will succeed because they have a transparent city government to deal with.
The mayor and vice mayor’s tandem, Tiong added, has put all the necessary ingredients to make San Carlos go on a roll, to the envy of other cities.
“I believe infrastructure-wise, we have more than adequate of these to date. All roads leading towards San Carlos City are now well paved, although we are putting in some more projects,” said Resuello who may likely succeed his father when the latter completes his last term of office in 2007.
Where have all the beaches gone?
By DANNY O. SAGUN
(PIA-Pangasinan)
SAN FABIAN – Will there be beach areas still left for the public here to enjoy with the unabated conversion of foreshore lands into private resorts and residences?
Councilor Saturnino Distor expressed fear over the possibility as he asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop the “invasion” of beach lands through indiscriminate issuance of so-called foreshore lease agreements (FLAs) and outright squatting.
DENR however has appeared helpless in resolving the problem as private resorts kept mushrooming from the popular Center beach west of the poblacion up to the border of this province and La Union.
“Outgoing provincial environment and natural resources officer Juan delos Reyes, the concerned local governments, as well as the barangay officials should take the lead in the campaign against squatting in public lands,” Distor said.
It was reported that some barangay officials in areas along the Lingayen Gulf have gone to the extent of conniving with unscrupulous businessmen by offering prime beach areas for a fee.
Bewailing this “unholy alliance,” Delos Reyes said the campaign against squatting needs a sustained, full coordination between his office and local officials.
He advised FLA applicants to refrain from occupying the area unless and until their applications are approved, stressing that a mere application does not authorize them to take hold of the property.
Such a practice was evident here and in other coastal areas like Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City where prime beach lands were being fenced off by supposed claimants.
A similar problem exists in barangay Maniboc in Lingayen.
Delos Reyes said a survey of the Gulf will finally determine the areas considered alienable and disposable and those that should be left untouched.
But a cursory inspection of the beaches here will easily show that many prime beach areas have already been occupied for private use.
Most affected by this illegal action, are beach goers and fishermen who could hardly make their way to the beach as most entrance and exit have been occupied or fenced now.
(PIA-Pangasinan)
SAN FABIAN – Will there be beach areas still left for the public here to enjoy with the unabated conversion of foreshore lands into private resorts and residences?
Councilor Saturnino Distor expressed fear over the possibility as he asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop the “invasion” of beach lands through indiscriminate issuance of so-called foreshore lease agreements (FLAs) and outright squatting.
DENR however has appeared helpless in resolving the problem as private resorts kept mushrooming from the popular Center beach west of the poblacion up to the border of this province and La Union.
“Outgoing provincial environment and natural resources officer Juan delos Reyes, the concerned local governments, as well as the barangay officials should take the lead in the campaign against squatting in public lands,” Distor said.
It was reported that some barangay officials in areas along the Lingayen Gulf have gone to the extent of conniving with unscrupulous businessmen by offering prime beach areas for a fee.
Bewailing this “unholy alliance,” Delos Reyes said the campaign against squatting needs a sustained, full coordination between his office and local officials.
He advised FLA applicants to refrain from occupying the area unless and until their applications are approved, stressing that a mere application does not authorize them to take hold of the property.
Such a practice was evident here and in other coastal areas like Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City where prime beach lands were being fenced off by supposed claimants.
A similar problem exists in barangay Maniboc in Lingayen.
Delos Reyes said a survey of the Gulf will finally determine the areas considered alienable and disposable and those that should be left untouched.
But a cursory inspection of the beaches here will easily show that many prime beach areas have already been occupied for private use.
Most affected by this illegal action, are beach goers and fishermen who could hardly make their way to the beach as most entrance and exit have been occupied or fenced now.
Hundreds Isles turned over fully to Alaminos City
ALAMINOS CITY – The world-famous Hundred Islands was officially turned over to the city government last Thursday.
Visibly ecstatic about the historic event, Mayor Hernani Braganza said the people of the city are very happy and proud that after more than six decades, the prime tourist destination finally returned to its original owner.
He thanked President Arroyo and tourism officials for making the transfer possible.
In gratitude, Braganza officially declared one of the islands as President Diosdado P. Macapagal Island in honor of the late father of President Gloria M. Arroyo.
“Hundred Islands is God’s gift to mankind, nature’s gift to Alaminos and the people of Pangasinan. (With Alaminos) getting it (HINP), comes big responsibilities. But we are ready to face the challenges of developing and protecting our city’s pride for our children and children’s children,” Braganza added.
Last March, environment and natural resources Secretary Michael Defensor and Philippine Tourism Authority Robert Ace Barbers signed an accord for the transfer of management, control and supervision, and development of the national park to the city.
Two months later, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and the mayor inked a memorandum of understanding for the drawing up of a Hundred Islands master plan by their respective staffs that will ensure orderly development of the national park.
Several activities were staged lately to help promote tourism not only for the city’s good but for the entire province’s as well. A triathlon open and wall climbing competition were staged as well as the first Hundred Islands cycling tour. The city also hosted the Miss Earth 2004 presentation.
On January 18, 1940, then President Manuel L. Quezon issued Proclamation No. 667 declaring the Hundred Islands as the country’s first national park. In 1974, the islands including the Lucap Bay area was transferred to the PTA.
Braganza, upon election as mayor, moved to acquire the park back for the city as its original owner. His close ties with the President, Defensor and the tourism officials who were his colleagues during his stint in the national government made the transfer possible, it was observed. (PIA/DOS with report from PNA)
Visibly ecstatic about the historic event, Mayor Hernani Braganza said the people of the city are very happy and proud that after more than six decades, the prime tourist destination finally returned to its original owner.
He thanked President Arroyo and tourism officials for making the transfer possible.
In gratitude, Braganza officially declared one of the islands as President Diosdado P. Macapagal Island in honor of the late father of President Gloria M. Arroyo.
“Hundred Islands is God’s gift to mankind, nature’s gift to Alaminos and the people of Pangasinan. (With Alaminos) getting it (HINP), comes big responsibilities. But we are ready to face the challenges of developing and protecting our city’s pride for our children and children’s children,” Braganza added.
Last March, environment and natural resources Secretary Michael Defensor and Philippine Tourism Authority Robert Ace Barbers signed an accord for the transfer of management, control and supervision, and development of the national park to the city.
Two months later, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and the mayor inked a memorandum of understanding for the drawing up of a Hundred Islands master plan by their respective staffs that will ensure orderly development of the national park.
Several activities were staged lately to help promote tourism not only for the city’s good but for the entire province’s as well. A triathlon open and wall climbing competition were staged as well as the first Hundred Islands cycling tour. The city also hosted the Miss Earth 2004 presentation.
On January 18, 1940, then President Manuel L. Quezon issued Proclamation No. 667 declaring the Hundred Islands as the country’s first national park. In 1974, the islands including the Lucap Bay area was transferred to the PTA.
Braganza, upon election as mayor, moved to acquire the park back for the city as its original owner. His close ties with the President, Defensor and the tourism officials who were his colleagues during his stint in the national government made the transfer possible, it was observed. (PIA/DOS with report from PNA)
Agbayani to Purisima: Stop rash of robberies
LINGAYEN – Pangasinan Gov. Victor Agbayani has ordered the police to do something about the rising incidence of highway robberies perpetrated by armed men usually against persons who have just withdrawn money from banks.
Agbayani summoned Police Provincial Director Alan Purisima to his office after noting the successive highway robbery incidents last week, the biggest of which was the holdup of P798,000 payroll money of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital somewhere in Binmaley town.
The other incidents happened along the highway in Villasis and in Sta. Maria towns.
In the past, highway robberies also took place in Urdaneta and Dagupan cities, Lingayen and Basista towns. The perpetrators in these cases have not been arrested nor identified.
Purisima said the governor ordered him to provide security not only to banks but also their clients, who are held up by armed men often riding in motorcycles without plate numbers.
He said he will order chiefs of police in different towns and cities to meet with bank officials and personnel to validate reports there are tipsters inside banks spying on people withdrawing big amounts of money.
The National Bureau of Investigation has joined the probe in the holdup of the payroll money of the PPH upon the request of the provincial government, along with the police.
A parallel investigation is now being conducted by the provincial government, the PPH being under its jurisdiction, to find out if the cashier from whom the armed men took the money was negligent. (PNA)
Agbayani summoned Police Provincial Director Alan Purisima to his office after noting the successive highway robbery incidents last week, the biggest of which was the holdup of P798,000 payroll money of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital somewhere in Binmaley town.
The other incidents happened along the highway in Villasis and in Sta. Maria towns.
In the past, highway robberies also took place in Urdaneta and Dagupan cities, Lingayen and Basista towns. The perpetrators in these cases have not been arrested nor identified.
Purisima said the governor ordered him to provide security not only to banks but also their clients, who are held up by armed men often riding in motorcycles without plate numbers.
He said he will order chiefs of police in different towns and cities to meet with bank officials and personnel to validate reports there are tipsters inside banks spying on people withdrawing big amounts of money.
The National Bureau of Investigation has joined the probe in the holdup of the payroll money of the PPH upon the request of the provincial government, along with the police.
A parallel investigation is now being conducted by the provincial government, the PPH being under its jurisdiction, to find out if the cashier from whom the armed men took the money was negligent. (PNA)
In Mangaldan, Berex starts fiscalizing Mayor Hermie
MANGALDAN – Politics has begun to show its ugly head here this early.
Mayor Herminio Romero was accused by his team mate, Vice Mayor Berex Abalos, his running-mate in the 2004 elections, of encroaching on his functions.
Abalos complained that Romero signed a check for the payment of curtains installed at the sangguniang bayan.
He said it was he who should sign the check as head of the legislative body. He was said to have signed earlier the voucher for such payment.
He wondered why the mayor signed the check considering the fact that he too himself had complained when he was yet vice-mayor.
“Nag-aalburuto siya noon kay Mayor Tito Sarzaba kung pinakikialama iyong pondo ng sanggunian,” he said.
Municipal Treasurer Rosanna Bauzon said her staff only erred in entering the mayor’s name on the check. She also noted that the legal purpose was achieved even if it was Romero who signed the check.
“Napunta rin sa dapat puntahan,” she said referring to the curtains installed at the sanggunian.
Abalos rejected her explanation however saying it has been six months already that he has not been signing checks for sanggunian expenses.
He also claimed that the supplier of the curtains did not even see or consult him. The curtains were said to cost P80,000, considered a big amount for a simple project, observers said.
Supporters of the mayor however claimed Abalos was only finding a way to distance himself and play a fiscalizer’s role in preparation for the coming local elections, setting his sights on the mayorship this early.
Interestingly, Romero practically did the same to Sarbaza during the latter’s stint as mayor, with him (Romero) as the vice mayor. (DOS)
Mayor Herminio Romero was accused by his team mate, Vice Mayor Berex Abalos, his running-mate in the 2004 elections, of encroaching on his functions.
Abalos complained that Romero signed a check for the payment of curtains installed at the sangguniang bayan.
He said it was he who should sign the check as head of the legislative body. He was said to have signed earlier the voucher for such payment.
He wondered why the mayor signed the check considering the fact that he too himself had complained when he was yet vice-mayor.
“Nag-aalburuto siya noon kay Mayor Tito Sarzaba kung pinakikialama iyong pondo ng sanggunian,” he said.
Municipal Treasurer Rosanna Bauzon said her staff only erred in entering the mayor’s name on the check. She also noted that the legal purpose was achieved even if it was Romero who signed the check.
“Napunta rin sa dapat puntahan,” she said referring to the curtains installed at the sanggunian.
Abalos rejected her explanation however saying it has been six months already that he has not been signing checks for sanggunian expenses.
He also claimed that the supplier of the curtains did not even see or consult him. The curtains were said to cost P80,000, considered a big amount for a simple project, observers said.
Supporters of the mayor however claimed Abalos was only finding a way to distance himself and play a fiscalizer’s role in preparation for the coming local elections, setting his sights on the mayorship this early.
Interestingly, Romero practically did the same to Sarbaza during the latter’s stint as mayor, with him (Romero) as the vice mayor. (DOS)
Pangasinan bids to become Bangus Capital of the World
LINGAYEN – A senior member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has asked the committees on agriculture, public services and environment and natural resources to conduct joint public hearings to determine the state of the bangus (milkfish) industry in the province.
In filing Provincial Resolution No. 479-2005 before the SP, Board Member John Agerico B. Rosario, majority floor leader, stressed that the provincial government must identify “viable avenues of intervention” to support and promote the bangus industry in a bid to formally establish Pangasinan as the Bangus Capital of the World.
Bangus is being produced not only in Dagupan City but in almost coastal municipalities in the province like Binmaley, Lingayen, San Fabian, Sual, Bolinao, Anda, Dasol, and Alaminos City.
Rosario said that the local bangus industry has become a major contributor to the province’s economy, providing jobs and infrastructure and generating additional jobs.
“The province of Pangasinan is known worldwide for the taste and quality of bangus with official reports indicating local sales of no less than P30.20 million and exports of $249,399 annually,” he said, quoting figures from the Department of Trade and Industry.
It was not immediately known if the figure already included Dagupan City’s own production and sales figures.
He said local bangus producers however are not spared from the effects of the prevailing economic uncertainties aggravated by escalating oil prices, thus the need for the province to intervene.
Rosario said he has referred the matter to Gov. Victor E. Agbayani who supports the idea of providing interventions in areas such as research, marketing and technical assistance.
Among the areas to be explored are establishment of hatcheries to ensure steady supply of fries and fingerlings, development of new bangus products and markets, technical and credit assistance, management training and capability building. (Jennifer Domantay/PIO)
In filing Provincial Resolution No. 479-2005 before the SP, Board Member John Agerico B. Rosario, majority floor leader, stressed that the provincial government must identify “viable avenues of intervention” to support and promote the bangus industry in a bid to formally establish Pangasinan as the Bangus Capital of the World.
Bangus is being produced not only in Dagupan City but in almost coastal municipalities in the province like Binmaley, Lingayen, San Fabian, Sual, Bolinao, Anda, Dasol, and Alaminos City.
Rosario said that the local bangus industry has become a major contributor to the province’s economy, providing jobs and infrastructure and generating additional jobs.
“The province of Pangasinan is known worldwide for the taste and quality of bangus with official reports indicating local sales of no less than P30.20 million and exports of $249,399 annually,” he said, quoting figures from the Department of Trade and Industry.
It was not immediately known if the figure already included Dagupan City’s own production and sales figures.
He said local bangus producers however are not spared from the effects of the prevailing economic uncertainties aggravated by escalating oil prices, thus the need for the province to intervene.
Rosario said he has referred the matter to Gov. Victor E. Agbayani who supports the idea of providing interventions in areas such as research, marketing and technical assistance.
Among the areas to be explored are establishment of hatcheries to ensure steady supply of fries and fingerlings, development of new bangus products and markets, technical and credit assistance, management training and capability building. (Jennifer Domantay/PIO)
Pangasinan provincial board backs Northrail projects
LINGAYEN – The provincial board of Pangasinan has thrown its support behind the proposed US$503-million North Luzon Railways (Northrail) project.
In a resolution sponsored by the board majority floorleader John Agerico Rosario, the body urged the national government to resolve the issues raised against the implementation of the project as soon as possible.
Rosario said it is lamentable that despite the completion of plans and designs, availability of financing, and its patent acceptability to all concerned sectors, the prosecution of the project is being derailed by allegations that there were improprieties in the bidding.
If completed, the improved railway system will be a big boon to the riding public north of Manila and eventually the province of Pangasinan, Rosario said.
He said the country needs an alternative but efficient transport system that would be faster and environmental-friendly.
The resolution said the Northrail will boost trade and commerce to and from the provinces north of Manila, thus accelerating the progress of the nation.
Initial phases of the project cover the stretch from Manila to Malolos City in Bulacan and from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga. Eventually, under the plans, the rail will extend to Pangasinan and La Union in the north.
The project will be financed jointly by US$395.22 million loan from the China Import and Export Bank and the Bases Conversion Development Authority. (PNA)
In a resolution sponsored by the board majority floorleader John Agerico Rosario, the body urged the national government to resolve the issues raised against the implementation of the project as soon as possible.
Rosario said it is lamentable that despite the completion of plans and designs, availability of financing, and its patent acceptability to all concerned sectors, the prosecution of the project is being derailed by allegations that there were improprieties in the bidding.
If completed, the improved railway system will be a big boon to the riding public north of Manila and eventually the province of Pangasinan, Rosario said.
He said the country needs an alternative but efficient transport system that would be faster and environmental-friendly.
The resolution said the Northrail will boost trade and commerce to and from the provinces north of Manila, thus accelerating the progress of the nation.
Initial phases of the project cover the stretch from Manila to Malolos City in Bulacan and from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga. Eventually, under the plans, the rail will extend to Pangasinan and La Union in the north.
The project will be financed jointly by US$395.22 million loan from the China Import and Export Bank and the Bases Conversion Development Authority. (PNA)
Jueteng should now be a thing of the past—Lomibao
PHILIPPINE National Police Director General Arturo Lomibao reiterated the government policy that there should be no more jueteng in the country during a whirlwind visit to Pangasinan Wednesday primarily to check on police investigation into the killing of regional trial court Judge Estrelita Paas of Natividad.
In a talk to newsmen here, Lomibao said that as far as the PNP is concerned, jueteng should now be a thing of the past.
At the same time however, he complained that he could not understand Archbishop Oscar Cruz of the Lingayen Dagupan archdiocese because, according to him, the prelate says one day that there is no more jueteng and on the next day, he says otherwise, and on the third day is again saying a different thing.
Lomibao again warned all PNP personnel that those violating the policy should be punished adding that if they were police commanders, they should be relieved and if they are local officials, they should be investigated.
At the same time, although the EZ-2 game in lotto is legal, he ordered the police to arrest the collectors and it is up for him to explain that his activity is legal.
The move, he said is intended to erase the suspicion that the police have relaxed their guard on what the people perceive to be jueteng, in the guise of the legal EZ-2 game.
In a talk to newsmen here, Lomibao said that as far as the PNP is concerned, jueteng should now be a thing of the past.
At the same time however, he complained that he could not understand Archbishop Oscar Cruz of the Lingayen Dagupan archdiocese because, according to him, the prelate says one day that there is no more jueteng and on the next day, he says otherwise, and on the third day is again saying a different thing.
Lomibao again warned all PNP personnel that those violating the policy should be punished adding that if they were police commanders, they should be relieved and if they are local officials, they should be investigated.
At the same time, although the EZ-2 game in lotto is legal, he ordered the police to arrest the collectors and it is up for him to explain that his activity is legal.
The move, he said is intended to erase the suspicion that the police have relaxed their guard on what the people perceive to be jueteng, in the guise of the legal EZ-2 game.
PIA, TRANSCO conduct media handling seminar
By Venus May H. Sarmiento
MANAGERS and officers of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) –North Luzon Office were treated to an overview of the media industry in a Media Handling Seminar-Workshop conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in cooperation with the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association (PATRIMA), on September 22-23, at the TransCo Mexico sub-station in Pampanga.
TransCo sought a re-engineering of its media approaches thru the seminar as it moved to pursue improved dissemination of information and consequently enhance its corporate image in the region. The seminar also aimed to equip their communicators as well as other frontline personnel, who are usually bombarded with calls during unannounced power interruptions, with necessary skills in dealing with media practitioners.
North Luzon assistant vice president Fernando Abesamis led the two batches of TransCo people in the media handling seminar comprising of department managers, division managers, corporate communications officers, right-of-way officers and security officers.
PIA-Pangasinan InfoCenter manager Behn Fer Hortaleza, Jr., who spearheaded the seminar, gave an overview of the dynamics of the community press and the government media together with DWRS-Radyo ng Bayan station manager Bernie Errasquin.
For the private media perspective, veteran writer-announcer Rhee Fer Hortaleza and Sky Cable-Pangasinan operations manager Rommel Partosa discussed the overview of the broadcast medium-radio and cable TV. Partosa’s team included Sky Cable’s regional airtime manager Migs Velarde and news director Marlon Marvil.
Transco’s North Luzon Office is divided into six districts, which includes the provinces of Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora.
MANAGERS and officers of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) –North Luzon Office were treated to an overview of the media industry in a Media Handling Seminar-Workshop conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in cooperation with the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association (PATRIMA), on September 22-23, at the TransCo Mexico sub-station in Pampanga.
TransCo sought a re-engineering of its media approaches thru the seminar as it moved to pursue improved dissemination of information and consequently enhance its corporate image in the region. The seminar also aimed to equip their communicators as well as other frontline personnel, who are usually bombarded with calls during unannounced power interruptions, with necessary skills in dealing with media practitioners.
North Luzon assistant vice president Fernando Abesamis led the two batches of TransCo people in the media handling seminar comprising of department managers, division managers, corporate communications officers, right-of-way officers and security officers.
PIA-Pangasinan InfoCenter manager Behn Fer Hortaleza, Jr., who spearheaded the seminar, gave an overview of the dynamics of the community press and the government media together with DWRS-Radyo ng Bayan station manager Bernie Errasquin.
For the private media perspective, veteran writer-announcer Rhee Fer Hortaleza and Sky Cable-Pangasinan operations manager Rommel Partosa discussed the overview of the broadcast medium-radio and cable TV. Partosa’s team included Sky Cable’s regional airtime manager Migs Velarde and news director Marlon Marvil.
Transco’s North Luzon Office is divided into six districts, which includes the provinces of Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora.
Selection for U.S. study exchange scholars set
THE Dagupan City Schools Division is set to screen outstanding high school students from among nominees of various schools for the U.S. study exchange program sometime in May 2006.
The program will enable Dagupeño high school students to explore the culture and educational system of Milpitas City in California.
The cultural and student exchange between Milpitas and Dagupan is an initial focus area embodied in the memorandum of understanding between the two cities. City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim signed the MOU with Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves to extend the sisterhood pact of the two cities last July 21 during his two-week official visit to the U.S.
Lim said the program will help Dagupeño high school students become well-rounded and highly responsible persons
“This will also make the students in the city globally competitive in all areas of knowledge, especially in the field of information and communication technology,” the mayor added.
Aside from the opportunity for cultural exchange, according to the mayor, the program will also allow the students to experience the public or private educational system of Milpitas.
Each participating secondary school will select five student nominees based on criteria set by the City’s Student Exchange Coordinating Committee not later than October 7, Schools Division officer-in-charge Aurora Domingo said.
“After an evaluation, the field narrows down to three who will be later endorsed to the mayor from among whom he will choose the official participants for the US student exchange,” she said.
The criteria require a candidate to be at least 14 years old; has a general weighted average of 85 percent or above (30%); has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities (20%); has excellent oral and written communication skills in English (20%); has demonstrated good manners and right conduct (20%); and has actively taken part in extra-curricular activities (10%).
Esteves reiterated that visiting students will be hosted by families from various Dagupeño associations in Milpitas even as the students will be given a one-week break to stay with their relatives in the U.S.
In turn, Milpitas students would also soon visit Dagupan. (Sunshine D. Robles)
The program will enable Dagupeño high school students to explore the culture and educational system of Milpitas City in California.
The cultural and student exchange between Milpitas and Dagupan is an initial focus area embodied in the memorandum of understanding between the two cities. City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim signed the MOU with Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves to extend the sisterhood pact of the two cities last July 21 during his two-week official visit to the U.S.
Lim said the program will help Dagupeño high school students become well-rounded and highly responsible persons
“This will also make the students in the city globally competitive in all areas of knowledge, especially in the field of information and communication technology,” the mayor added.
Aside from the opportunity for cultural exchange, according to the mayor, the program will also allow the students to experience the public or private educational system of Milpitas.
Each participating secondary school will select five student nominees based on criteria set by the City’s Student Exchange Coordinating Committee not later than October 7, Schools Division officer-in-charge Aurora Domingo said.
“After an evaluation, the field narrows down to three who will be later endorsed to the mayor from among whom he will choose the official participants for the US student exchange,” she said.
The criteria require a candidate to be at least 14 years old; has a general weighted average of 85 percent or above (30%); has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities (20%); has excellent oral and written communication skills in English (20%); has demonstrated good manners and right conduct (20%); and has actively taken part in extra-curricular activities (10%).
Esteves reiterated that visiting students will be hosted by families from various Dagupeño associations in Milpitas even as the students will be given a one-week break to stay with their relatives in the U.S.
In turn, Milpitas students would also soon visit Dagupan. (Sunshine D. Robles)
FEATURE: Dagupan adopts paperless Sanggunian sessions
UNTIL recently, members of the city council here had to laboriously sift through a thick file of documents neatly fastened on a folder everytime they held their sessions.
These papers contained the agenda, minutes, proposed resolutions and ordinances and official communications received by the Sangguniang Panlungsod that had to be furnished the 13 members of the legislative body.
Today, these stacks of documents are gone. On the city councilors’ desks instead are laptop computers, where digital copies of the documents have been stored for the councilors to easily access.
“We now hold paperless sessions and information technology has made all these possible,” said Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, who vigorously pushed for the electronic session (e-session) project, the first of its kind in Pangasinan and maybe, even in the whole country.
The system
The project required the installation of 13 laptop computers in the session hall, one each for the 12 councilors and the presiding officer.
These laptops are run by a customized user-friendly program that allows the councilors to immediately access everything they need during sessions, such as the agenda, transcripts of minutes of past sessions, committee hearings and committee reports, draft resolutions, draft ordinances, communications, memorandum, informative materials, and other electronic documents.
An archive of past resolutions and ordinances since 1950 has also been digitized and uploaded into the city council’s computers.
“All we have to do now is click the mouse,” Fernandez said.
Through an LCD projector, electronic copies of documents being taken up during sessions may be beamed to an interactive white board set up inside the session hall for the public and the media to see.
The city councilors can also submit proposed resolutions and ordinances, communicate with one another through instant messaging, and access the Internet through their laptops.
Cyber-session
The Internet access actually crystallized the idea of holding cyber-sessions.
And in a pioneering piece of legislation, the city council allowed Fernandez to preside over city council sessions via cyberspace, making him perhaps the only vice mayor in the country today to have such privilege.
But as a condition, Fernandez must be in the Philippines and the city councilors should be properly informed at least three days before a cyber-session.
“We now have the technology and we might as well make use of it to save precious time and resources,” Fernandez said.
From any point in the country where there is an Internet presence, the vice mayor simply calls the city council’s IP (Internet protocol) address through his laptop and connect it to the SP information technology system.
Using Microsoft’s Net Meeting software, which is hooked to a camera in the city council’s central computer server, he is then able to see and hear all discussions in the SP session.
The city councilors, in turn, would see the vice mayor on a projection screen through a webcam attached to his laptop and hear him preside clearly through its “surround” sound system, as though the vice mayor were personally present in the session.
“There will only be a second’s delay in the transmission on both ends. This is why the SP will have to apply for a higher bandwidth to minimize the delay the best way possible,” Fernandez said.
Website
In addition to the cyber-session, the city council will soon launch its own fully interactive website (http://www.citycouncil.dagupan.gov.ph).
Fernandez said that the website will provide Dagupeños, including those outside the city, the opportunity to democratically participate in the governance of the city.
“The website features downloadable ordinances, agenda, forums, news, as well as streaming video of past sessions,” he said.
Through its forums section, the people may post suggestions, report violations of ordinances, or air their concerns on vital local legislations.
Fernandez said that the website will also provide updated news on the city council, especially on the status of pending ordinances that directly affect the people’s day-to-day lives.
As he waits for the launching of the website, the vice mayor in the meantime maintains a blog (http://vmalvinfernandez.blogspot.com), where he regularly posts his daily activities and views on various issues.
Cost saving
Fernandez said that despite spending almost P850,000 for the project, the amount is still insignificant compared to the savings that the city council will generate in the future.
Before the computerization project was set in place, the P uses at least five reams of copy paper every week just for the agenda, transcripts of minutes of the sessions, committee hearings and committee reports, draft resolutions, draft ordinances, communications, memorandum, informative materials, and other documents.
“How about the (cost of the) folders, the drum kits for the photocopiers, the computer ink, the gasoline for the distribution of the agenda?” Fernandez asked.
He said the photocopying machines often break down because of the volume of documents that are reproduced every week. “And having these equipment repaired is expensive,” Fernandez added.
Fernandez also noted that with paperless sessions, the council is in effect helping in the waste reduction program of the city government.
“Although paper is a recyclable material, it is still far better if we use just a little of it,” he said.
“Hopefully, the new system will dramatically reduce the volume of paper and other supplies used in the city council. As it is now, it is already a big help in the electronic storage and filing of documents for each of the city councilor, making it easier for them to review past discussions on local legislations,” Fernandez said.
These papers contained the agenda, minutes, proposed resolutions and ordinances and official communications received by the Sangguniang Panlungsod that had to be furnished the 13 members of the legislative body.
Today, these stacks of documents are gone. On the city councilors’ desks instead are laptop computers, where digital copies of the documents have been stored for the councilors to easily access.
“We now hold paperless sessions and information technology has made all these possible,” said Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, who vigorously pushed for the electronic session (e-session) project, the first of its kind in Pangasinan and maybe, even in the whole country.
The system
The project required the installation of 13 laptop computers in the session hall, one each for the 12 councilors and the presiding officer.
These laptops are run by a customized user-friendly program that allows the councilors to immediately access everything they need during sessions, such as the agenda, transcripts of minutes of past sessions, committee hearings and committee reports, draft resolutions, draft ordinances, communications, memorandum, informative materials, and other electronic documents.
An archive of past resolutions and ordinances since 1950 has also been digitized and uploaded into the city council’s computers.
“All we have to do now is click the mouse,” Fernandez said.
Through an LCD projector, electronic copies of documents being taken up during sessions may be beamed to an interactive white board set up inside the session hall for the public and the media to see.
The city councilors can also submit proposed resolutions and ordinances, communicate with one another through instant messaging, and access the Internet through their laptops.
Cyber-session
The Internet access actually crystallized the idea of holding cyber-sessions.
And in a pioneering piece of legislation, the city council allowed Fernandez to preside over city council sessions via cyberspace, making him perhaps the only vice mayor in the country today to have such privilege.
But as a condition, Fernandez must be in the Philippines and the city councilors should be properly informed at least three days before a cyber-session.
“We now have the technology and we might as well make use of it to save precious time and resources,” Fernandez said.
From any point in the country where there is an Internet presence, the vice mayor simply calls the city council’s IP (Internet protocol) address through his laptop and connect it to the SP information technology system.
Using Microsoft’s Net Meeting software, which is hooked to a camera in the city council’s central computer server, he is then able to see and hear all discussions in the SP session.
The city councilors, in turn, would see the vice mayor on a projection screen through a webcam attached to his laptop and hear him preside clearly through its “surround” sound system, as though the vice mayor were personally present in the session.
“There will only be a second’s delay in the transmission on both ends. This is why the SP will have to apply for a higher bandwidth to minimize the delay the best way possible,” Fernandez said.
Website
In addition to the cyber-session, the city council will soon launch its own fully interactive website (http://www.citycouncil.dagupan.gov.ph).
Fernandez said that the website will provide Dagupeños, including those outside the city, the opportunity to democratically participate in the governance of the city.
“The website features downloadable ordinances, agenda, forums, news, as well as streaming video of past sessions,” he said.
Through its forums section, the people may post suggestions, report violations of ordinances, or air their concerns on vital local legislations.
Fernandez said that the website will also provide updated news on the city council, especially on the status of pending ordinances that directly affect the people’s day-to-day lives.
As he waits for the launching of the website, the vice mayor in the meantime maintains a blog (http://vmalvinfernandez.blogspot.com), where he regularly posts his daily activities and views on various issues.
Cost saving
Fernandez said that despite spending almost P850,000 for the project, the amount is still insignificant compared to the savings that the city council will generate in the future.
Before the computerization project was set in place, the P uses at least five reams of copy paper every week just for the agenda, transcripts of minutes of the sessions, committee hearings and committee reports, draft resolutions, draft ordinances, communications, memorandum, informative materials, and other documents.
“How about the (cost of the) folders, the drum kits for the photocopiers, the computer ink, the gasoline for the distribution of the agenda?” Fernandez asked.
He said the photocopying machines often break down because of the volume of documents that are reproduced every week. “And having these equipment repaired is expensive,” Fernandez added.
Fernandez also noted that with paperless sessions, the council is in effect helping in the waste reduction program of the city government.
“Although paper is a recyclable material, it is still far better if we use just a little of it,” he said.
“Hopefully, the new system will dramatically reduce the volume of paper and other supplies used in the city council. As it is now, it is already a big help in the electronic storage and filing of documents for each of the city councilor, making it easier for them to review past discussions on local legislations,” Fernandez said.
OPINYON: Isusublay daray atornis tan huwes
SAYAN INDIO
Mario F. Karateka
MAPAGALARAY kakaaro tayon abogados tan ingen pati saray galgalangen iran mahistradoy korte odino saray huwes. Ni, mantomba met larayan disipulos na ley tan oksoy ed sosyedad. Say singa mensahed saya et anggapolay antakot daray managpatey – pati mismon ley et itotopay-topay dala, palpaltogen dala.
Nen manbaktar iray peryodista odino saray walad medya, say singa ibabagay arom et lapu konod masyadon abusado laray Medya. Kanian igu-gud dara. Nilooban datan ya trabaho, di alageyan da, kuandaray kritikod Medya. Diad sakey a dapag, tua met iman. No agmo sarag so petang ed kusina, arawika, ekal ka.
Nen walamay tiempon saray meyors odino opisyales na baley so kitongilang lapud bala diad Pangasinan, walaramay totoon mangibabagan inani da labat kono so duknal ya ginagawa dad saray kabaleyan da. Sinmabilay bales, kuay arom
Balet natan ta saray kabalyeros na ley mismo – abogados tan huwes –so napapaonong, medyo namamawmawan iray totoo. Aliwa laya, kuanda, laotla ed say impamatey nen imbeneg a simba ed si biin Huwes Estrellita Paas na Pasay City Ridyonal Trayal Kort.
Makapasinagem a tuloy. Wadmanla kalamor ed arawin baley na Natividad si Huwes Paas, mamabakasyon, onong ed say riport na polis, diman ni tinigway so bilay to ed loob na abong to.
Peligro, maatap lan maong so panaon. Tan lalon onkakasil so linawa daray maoges-walnan totoo – on, saray kriminal o bayaran ya managpatey – ed kada kason ag nasolb na Pilipin Nasyonal Polis (PNP). Siyempre no samay kriminal et ag narel, librela lamet a mangawat na onsoblay a kontratan pamatey na anggan siopaman.
Kaskasian metlayay Hepe na PNP, si Direktor-Heneral Arturo Lomibao, a kabaleyan tayo (taga Mangaldan) ya puro pilalamay lad saray ompapatey ya medya, abogados tan huwes so gaween to legan na administrasyon to.
Kasian yopay boss yo, PNP, tan solb yolaratay kaskasodtan.
Magmamaliw la laingen a propesyonal a milalamay (professional mourner) lay Hepe Arturo. Maong labat ta tinondaan tolay kakatugyop na samay paboriton ton “task force” no kada walay natigway a bilay ed Medya.
*****
Amasyar lamet sanen karoman (Sabado) si Nana Gloria dimad paborito ton “grotto” o dasalan ed Rosales. “Low-key” odino anggapoy dakel ya preparasyon – anggapo ingen so pakabat ed Medya – ta onong ed Malakanyang pribado man ya biyahe to.
Ditan met lagi manga-alay kasil to ya onarap ed krisis so Presidenta.
Dengel ko balet a siansian impilit na saray kaalyados to diad Pangasinan ya mitoyaw ed si GMA diman anggan pigpigay oras labat so imbayag to antis ya amawil ed obong to dimad Palasyo. Dimad “farm” nen Kongrisman Gener Tulagan ginaway impamaugto. Awey labat no akapangan si Nana Gloria… ta arawid samay paborito ton akanan a salanti say Matutina’s ditad Bonuan.
Mario F. Karateka
MAPAGALARAY kakaaro tayon abogados tan ingen pati saray galgalangen iran mahistradoy korte odino saray huwes. Ni, mantomba met larayan disipulos na ley tan oksoy ed sosyedad. Say singa mensahed saya et anggapolay antakot daray managpatey – pati mismon ley et itotopay-topay dala, palpaltogen dala.
Nen manbaktar iray peryodista odino saray walad medya, say singa ibabagay arom et lapu konod masyadon abusado laray Medya. Kanian igu-gud dara. Nilooban datan ya trabaho, di alageyan da, kuandaray kritikod Medya. Diad sakey a dapag, tua met iman. No agmo sarag so petang ed kusina, arawika, ekal ka.
Nen walamay tiempon saray meyors odino opisyales na baley so kitongilang lapud bala diad Pangasinan, walaramay totoon mangibabagan inani da labat kono so duknal ya ginagawa dad saray kabaleyan da. Sinmabilay bales, kuay arom
Balet natan ta saray kabalyeros na ley mismo – abogados tan huwes –so napapaonong, medyo namamawmawan iray totoo. Aliwa laya, kuanda, laotla ed say impamatey nen imbeneg a simba ed si biin Huwes Estrellita Paas na Pasay City Ridyonal Trayal Kort.
Makapasinagem a tuloy. Wadmanla kalamor ed arawin baley na Natividad si Huwes Paas, mamabakasyon, onong ed say riport na polis, diman ni tinigway so bilay to ed loob na abong to.
Peligro, maatap lan maong so panaon. Tan lalon onkakasil so linawa daray maoges-walnan totoo – on, saray kriminal o bayaran ya managpatey – ed kada kason ag nasolb na Pilipin Nasyonal Polis (PNP). Siyempre no samay kriminal et ag narel, librela lamet a mangawat na onsoblay a kontratan pamatey na anggan siopaman.
Kaskasian metlayay Hepe na PNP, si Direktor-Heneral Arturo Lomibao, a kabaleyan tayo (taga Mangaldan) ya puro pilalamay lad saray ompapatey ya medya, abogados tan huwes so gaween to legan na administrasyon to.
Kasian yopay boss yo, PNP, tan solb yolaratay kaskasodtan.
Magmamaliw la laingen a propesyonal a milalamay (professional mourner) lay Hepe Arturo. Maong labat ta tinondaan tolay kakatugyop na samay paboriton ton “task force” no kada walay natigway a bilay ed Medya.
*****
Amasyar lamet sanen karoman (Sabado) si Nana Gloria dimad paborito ton “grotto” o dasalan ed Rosales. “Low-key” odino anggapoy dakel ya preparasyon – anggapo ingen so pakabat ed Medya – ta onong ed Malakanyang pribado man ya biyahe to.
Ditan met lagi manga-alay kasil to ya onarap ed krisis so Presidenta.
Dengel ko balet a siansian impilit na saray kaalyados to diad Pangasinan ya mitoyaw ed si GMA diman anggan pigpigay oras labat so imbayag to antis ya amawil ed obong to dimad Palasyo. Dimad “farm” nen Kongrisman Gener Tulagan ginaway impamaugto. Awey labat no akapangan si Nana Gloria… ta arawid samay paborito ton akanan a salanti say Matutina’s ditad Bonuan.
EDITORIAL: Ethanol, the promise
DON’T look now but there’s gold in that sugarcane.
Other than just being literally sweet, that crop, produced in abundance in Negros, Bulacan, Pampanga and other places (Pangasinan now hardly figures), is the wave of the future, in terms of the current nationwide search for alternative sources of energy.
Yes, we’re talking ethanol, the much-talked about additive to gasoline which comes from sugarcane.
A report from Negros says some alcohol refineries in that place are now buying standing sugarcane at an equivalent of P920 to P930 per 1 kg. A Bukidnon congressman, who grew up in sugar farming, admits with open envy for the present growers that he “never enjoyed that price for the sugar I produced (back then.)”
If this tells anything to us here in the Ilocos, who hardly plant the upright crop, it is that maybe it’s time – since the oil crisis will be with us for a long, long, long period – that we see the much brighter prospects of sugarcane as an alternative crop (to rice, that is). And start putting up those alcohol refineries now where ethanol can be produced to serve as a government -encouraged mix for the gasoline we put in our vehicles.
With world oil reserves being pumped out double time to meet the rising demand, sources may dry up faster than what has been originally anticipated. The wiser way for the Philippines to go therefore is finding alternative sources of energy before the dreaded depletion of oil supply happens and developing countries like us are left in the lurch.
As the slogan of sugar producers now goes, in reference to the energy crunch: “If we can’t dig for oil, we plant them.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Other than just being literally sweet, that crop, produced in abundance in Negros, Bulacan, Pampanga and other places (Pangasinan now hardly figures), is the wave of the future, in terms of the current nationwide search for alternative sources of energy.
Yes, we’re talking ethanol, the much-talked about additive to gasoline which comes from sugarcane.
A report from Negros says some alcohol refineries in that place are now buying standing sugarcane at an equivalent of P920 to P930 per 1 kg. A Bukidnon congressman, who grew up in sugar farming, admits with open envy for the present growers that he “never enjoyed that price for the sugar I produced (back then.)”
If this tells anything to us here in the Ilocos, who hardly plant the upright crop, it is that maybe it’s time – since the oil crisis will be with us for a long, long, long period – that we see the much brighter prospects of sugarcane as an alternative crop (to rice, that is). And start putting up those alcohol refineries now where ethanol can be produced to serve as a government -encouraged mix for the gasoline we put in our vehicles.
With world oil reserves being pumped out double time to meet the rising demand, sources may dry up faster than what has been originally anticipated. The wiser way for the Philippines to go therefore is finding alternative sources of energy before the dreaded depletion of oil supply happens and developing countries like us are left in the lurch.
As the slogan of sugar producers now goes, in reference to the energy crunch: “If we can’t dig for oil, we plant them.”
We couldn’t agree more.
OPINION: Bird flu: Are Asians, Pinoys expendable?
AFTER ALL
Behn Fer. Hortaleza, Jr.
HEALTH Sec. Pingcoy Duque had all the reasons to feel indignant. Avian or bird flu is popping up in our neighbor Asian neighbors’ yards, and we still don’t have any supply of the primary antiviral drug known to combat the disease, oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu) in our pharmacy counters.
Duque actually termed it “zero stockpile” of the drug in the Philippines. As in zilch, nada, nothing.
That means we’re standing naked while the H5N1 deadly strain of the bird flu is creeping up on us – or, more like it, flying down on us, courtesy of those “carrier” migratory birds that usually move to tropical countries around this time, October to January, to escape the cold season in the other part of the globe.
Only one drug company, according to our health czar, has the sole authority to manufacture the antiviral drug, the Swiss-based Roche. What’s infuriating to Pinoys who have just known it from Doc Pingcoy’s perorations, is that the Roche supplies are “heavily concentrated in the First World even as the disease is ravaging bird and poultry (and, dreadfully, soon humans too) populations in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia.” As unfair as unfair can be. As inhuman as inhuman can be.
To think that the World Health Organization WHO) resident representative here has been urging Asian countries to prepare for a bird flu pandemic and yet his organization does not seem to move a muscle to urge, demand or coerce Roche to also spare the Third World some of its drug production.
“Why are the more vulnerable nations (being) deprived?” DOH Sec. Duque fumed after noting that the country has yet to receive a single capsule to date from Roche despite the DOH’s having placed an order for P10 million worth of oseltamivir as early as last year.
We hate to say this but we guess Big Brother out there has expanded the old term “Guinea pig” now to “Pinoy pig.” He wants to watch first how fast and how many of us keel over from the disease to see its actual potency before sending those antivirals to cure the rest of us who may, despite everything, survive the scourge.
Behn Fer. Hortaleza, Jr.
HEALTH Sec. Pingcoy Duque had all the reasons to feel indignant. Avian or bird flu is popping up in our neighbor Asian neighbors’ yards, and we still don’t have any supply of the primary antiviral drug known to combat the disease, oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu) in our pharmacy counters.
Duque actually termed it “zero stockpile” of the drug in the Philippines. As in zilch, nada, nothing.
That means we’re standing naked while the H5N1 deadly strain of the bird flu is creeping up on us – or, more like it, flying down on us, courtesy of those “carrier” migratory birds that usually move to tropical countries around this time, October to January, to escape the cold season in the other part of the globe.
Only one drug company, according to our health czar, has the sole authority to manufacture the antiviral drug, the Swiss-based Roche. What’s infuriating to Pinoys who have just known it from Doc Pingcoy’s perorations, is that the Roche supplies are “heavily concentrated in the First World even as the disease is ravaging bird and poultry (and, dreadfully, soon humans too) populations in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia.” As unfair as unfair can be. As inhuman as inhuman can be.
To think that the World Health Organization WHO) resident representative here has been urging Asian countries to prepare for a bird flu pandemic and yet his organization does not seem to move a muscle to urge, demand or coerce Roche to also spare the Third World some of its drug production.
“Why are the more vulnerable nations (being) deprived?” DOH Sec. Duque fumed after noting that the country has yet to receive a single capsule to date from Roche despite the DOH’s having placed an order for P10 million worth of oseltamivir as early as last year.
We hate to say this but we guess Big Brother out there has expanded the old term “Guinea pig” now to “Pinoy pig.” He wants to watch first how fast and how many of us keel over from the disease to see its actual potency before sending those antivirals to cure the rest of us who may, despite everything, survive the scourge.
OPINION: Alcala town hall sheds old image
The Pen Speaks
Danny O. Sagun
WE just received info at presstime that Mayor Benjie Lim has directed all offices at City Hall to surrender their office-purchased TV sets and refs in line with the energy conservation program of the government borne out by the continuing rise in prices of oil in the world market.
Good and correct move, Mayor! What’s the use of those appliances anyway but only to serve the personal interests of the office’s personnel?
There are offices in government agencies and business establishments, like banks, that maintain TV sets for their clients and customers. The objective is obvious —- to lessen the boredom on the part of the clients waiting for their turn.
It’s different however if the TV set serves only the office workers who spend their time watching TV program during office hours, instead of concentrating on their work.
We wonder however if Benjie’s move would cover the sangguniang panlungsod, which falls under the supervision of the vice-mayor, who by law, is independent of the executive branch. We’ll just see once we take a peep at the sanggunian session one time these coming days.
*****
Tita Llarenas, sangguniang bayan secretary of Alcala town, urged us to see for ourselves the façade of the town hall when we covered the town’s 130th foundation day celebration two Tuesdays ago. Why she bid us to do so was in connection with our column several years back about the town hall being made an instant marketplace. All kinds of merchandise were then being displayed right at the building’s doorsteps!
We obliged and we saw a different scene. No more RTWs hanging by the building’s sides, potteries displayed at the steps and makeshift stalls adjoining the town hall.
Tita and the budget officer (sorry we forgot her name) during lunch, after the awarding ceremony for the outstanding sons an daughters and the awarding of land titles to some 17 claimants to the controversial Pindangan Estate at the gym, said that our column sort of jarred the officials’ senses. It was an eye-opener, the budget officer told us.
We were delighted to note that the town officials took our criticism in stride and did the right thing.
Mabuhay kayo on your 130th year! More power to the properly sensitive officials of that town. May your tribe increase!
Danny O. Sagun
WE just received info at presstime that Mayor Benjie Lim has directed all offices at City Hall to surrender their office-purchased TV sets and refs in line with the energy conservation program of the government borne out by the continuing rise in prices of oil in the world market.
Good and correct move, Mayor! What’s the use of those appliances anyway but only to serve the personal interests of the office’s personnel?
There are offices in government agencies and business establishments, like banks, that maintain TV sets for their clients and customers. The objective is obvious —- to lessen the boredom on the part of the clients waiting for their turn.
It’s different however if the TV set serves only the office workers who spend their time watching TV program during office hours, instead of concentrating on their work.
We wonder however if Benjie’s move would cover the sangguniang panlungsod, which falls under the supervision of the vice-mayor, who by law, is independent of the executive branch. We’ll just see once we take a peep at the sanggunian session one time these coming days.
*****
Tita Llarenas, sangguniang bayan secretary of Alcala town, urged us to see for ourselves the façade of the town hall when we covered the town’s 130th foundation day celebration two Tuesdays ago. Why she bid us to do so was in connection with our column several years back about the town hall being made an instant marketplace. All kinds of merchandise were then being displayed right at the building’s doorsteps!
We obliged and we saw a different scene. No more RTWs hanging by the building’s sides, potteries displayed at the steps and makeshift stalls adjoining the town hall.
Tita and the budget officer (sorry we forgot her name) during lunch, after the awarding ceremony for the outstanding sons an daughters and the awarding of land titles to some 17 claimants to the controversial Pindangan Estate at the gym, said that our column sort of jarred the officials’ senses. It was an eye-opener, the budget officer told us.
We were delighted to note that the town officials took our criticism in stride and did the right thing.
Mabuhay kayo on your 130th year! More power to the properly sensitive officials of that town. May your tribe increase!
OPINION: Biometrics
WINDOWS
Gabriel L. Cardinoza
TWO weeks from now, city hall employees will have to queue up before a computer terminal four times a day to time in and to time out.
This is because the city government has acquired five biometrics-based timekeeping devices that will require each employee to have one of his or her fingers scanned for the computer to register the actual time the employee arrived in or left the city hall.
Biometrics (b?´´?-met´riks), according to Webopedia (www.webopedia.com), an online encyclopedia dedicated to computer technology, is an authentication technique that relies on a person’s measurable physical characteristics that can be automatically checked.
These physical characteristics could be the person’s face, fingerprint, hand geometry, retina, iris, signature, vein, and voice.
At the city hall, the biometric system will make use of an employee’s fingerprint. The computer first reads the employee’s fingerprint from a scanner; identifies the employee and registers the exact time he or she arrived in or left the office.
The new timekeeping system will now throw away the blue logbooks, where many employees have been writing for years 8:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m., when they actually arrived in their respective offices at 9:30 a.m., or have left their workstations before 5:00 p.m.
It will also effectively eliminate the bad practice of some employees timing in or out for their officemates, even if that officemate actually reported in the afternoon or did not report at all.
Noting this habitual tardiness and the blatant falsification of daily time records, it was actually Mayor Benjamin Lim who first announced the use of biometrics in the city hall many months ago.
But it was Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, while the acting city mayor last week, who ordered the immediate purchase of these devices.
The vice mayor knew too well what biometrics can do in ensuring that employees report to work on time. In the entire city hall complex, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has been using the computerized device from the time the mayor made the announcement and this has produced good results, in terms of the SP employees’ work efficiency.
Since then, when somebody calls the SP office at 8:00 a.m. someone decisive is already there to answer the phone. And when somebody comes to the SP office as early as 8:00 a.m. to transact business, someone is already there to attend to him or her.
From the SP experience, the new system is foolproof, in the sense that the data could not be tampered. But some employees still have a way of dealing with it: some come to the office very early and still in their shorts to time in and just arrive in the office by noon to time out.
But the vice mayor could not be outwitted: He installed closed-circuit cameras that would record the day’s office scene to easily identify employees who just time in and then go home.
This meant certainly meant additional expenses using people’s money. But this was a good buy and a sound investment at that. After all, it is the people in the end who will benefit from the improved quality in the delivery of services at the city hall.
QUICKNOTES: The Pangasinan Star now has a website (http://www.freewebs.com/pangasinanstar). But we still maintain our blog (http://pangasinanstar.blogspot.com), because it is here where we keep our archives… Suddenly, I don’t feel safe in Pangasinan. With the rash of highway robbery and killings in the past weeks, I suddenly realized I am not safe right in my own backyard. And I’d like to quote what the late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez said when he survived an ambush in the mid-70’s: “What’s happening to our country, General?”
QUICKQUOTE: Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. -- Abraham Lincoln
(You can reach Gabriel L. Cardinoza at windows@digitelone.com)
Gabriel L. Cardinoza
TWO weeks from now, city hall employees will have to queue up before a computer terminal four times a day to time in and to time out.
This is because the city government has acquired five biometrics-based timekeeping devices that will require each employee to have one of his or her fingers scanned for the computer to register the actual time the employee arrived in or left the city hall.
Biometrics (b?´´?-met´riks), according to Webopedia (www.webopedia.com), an online encyclopedia dedicated to computer technology, is an authentication technique that relies on a person’s measurable physical characteristics that can be automatically checked.
These physical characteristics could be the person’s face, fingerprint, hand geometry, retina, iris, signature, vein, and voice.
At the city hall, the biometric system will make use of an employee’s fingerprint. The computer first reads the employee’s fingerprint from a scanner; identifies the employee and registers the exact time he or she arrived in or left the office.
The new timekeeping system will now throw away the blue logbooks, where many employees have been writing for years 8:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m., when they actually arrived in their respective offices at 9:30 a.m., or have left their workstations before 5:00 p.m.
It will also effectively eliminate the bad practice of some employees timing in or out for their officemates, even if that officemate actually reported in the afternoon or did not report at all.
Noting this habitual tardiness and the blatant falsification of daily time records, it was actually Mayor Benjamin Lim who first announced the use of biometrics in the city hall many months ago.
But it was Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, while the acting city mayor last week, who ordered the immediate purchase of these devices.
The vice mayor knew too well what biometrics can do in ensuring that employees report to work on time. In the entire city hall complex, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has been using the computerized device from the time the mayor made the announcement and this has produced good results, in terms of the SP employees’ work efficiency.
Since then, when somebody calls the SP office at 8:00 a.m. someone decisive is already there to answer the phone. And when somebody comes to the SP office as early as 8:00 a.m. to transact business, someone is already there to attend to him or her.
From the SP experience, the new system is foolproof, in the sense that the data could not be tampered. But some employees still have a way of dealing with it: some come to the office very early and still in their shorts to time in and just arrive in the office by noon to time out.
But the vice mayor could not be outwitted: He installed closed-circuit cameras that would record the day’s office scene to easily identify employees who just time in and then go home.
This meant certainly meant additional expenses using people’s money. But this was a good buy and a sound investment at that. After all, it is the people in the end who will benefit from the improved quality in the delivery of services at the city hall.
QUICKNOTES: The Pangasinan Star now has a website (http://www.freewebs.com/pangasinanstar). But we still maintain our blog (http://pangasinanstar.blogspot.com), because it is here where we keep our archives… Suddenly, I don’t feel safe in Pangasinan. With the rash of highway robbery and killings in the past weeks, I suddenly realized I am not safe right in my own backyard. And I’d like to quote what the late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez said when he survived an ambush in the mid-70’s: “What’s happening to our country, General?”
QUICKQUOTE: Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. -- Abraham Lincoln
(You can reach Gabriel L. Cardinoza at windows@digitelone.com)
